Gleason acquires manufacturer in Japan

Saikuni manufactures gear-cutting-tool sharpening equipment, cutting-tool inspection equipment, rack-milling machines and other metal cutting and finishing equipment. The company has manufactured certain Gleason products for sale in Japan and abroad, and Gleason has worked with Saikuni in selling certain of its products, the companies said.

Rochester-based Gleason has a long-standing presence in the Japanese market through its Gleason Asia Co. Ltd. subsidiary, with sales and service operations located in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Gleason will operate the Saikuni business with the current management team and roughly 25 employees under the name Gleason-Saikuni Co. Ltd.

“Given Gleason’s strategic partnership with Saikuni since 1997, the significance of the Japanese market and our large customer base within Japan, the acquisition strengthens our ability to provide our customers in Japan and the broader region with effective local solutions and support,” said John Perrotti, Gleason president and CEO, in a statement.